Police warn Scottish fans about getting free view of Rangers Cup tie

Fans whose houses overlook Forres Mechanics’ ground have been told by police not to let their friends have a free view of Saturday’s Cup tie against Rangers.

Forres Mechanics’ Simon Allan with the Scottish FA Cup

The game at the Highland League side’s Mosset Park ground is a sell-out, but police have told local residents on Bogton Road that they need to know if anyone is planning any festivities around the biggest game in the club’s history, for safety reasons.’The event, and Mosset Park in particular, does pose some unique challenges, not least that we expect a substantial amount of ticketless fans to watch the game from vantage points surrounding the ground,’ said match commander Superintendent Mark Cooper.’Officers have been in touch with residents to offer advice on safety and get a picture of how many people are expected to be in the area at the time of the match.’Residents John and Elaine Slavin, who enjoy a prime view of the ground, told the Daily Record they were planning to prune a cherry tree that obstructed the view from their garden so they could see just what was going on.’It’s needing pruning anyway,’ he said.’Police asked if we were planning a matchday party in the garden but we’re not.’I said that if some older Forres fans who did not have tickets wanted to come and stand in the garden and watch, they would be very welcome.’We will be watching the game from the lounge. Our two­ grandchildren will be with us and a couple of friends. You couldn’t ask for a better view even if you were sitting in the main stand.’